Get Tested for Cervical Cancer

The Basics

The Basics: Overview

Getting regular screenings for cervical cancer can help find abnormal (changed) cervical cells before they turn into cervical cancer. There are 2 kinds of screening tests that can find abnormal cervical cells:

Pap tests, also called Pap smears

HPV (human papillomavirus) tests

Most deaths from cervical cancer can be prevented if women get regular cervical screenings and follow-up care.

How often should I get screened (tested)?

Screening for cervical cancer depends on how old you are and which screening tests you get.

If you are age 21 to 29, get screened with a Pap test every 3 years.

If you are age 30 to 65:

Get screened every 3 years if you have a Pap test only.

Get screened every 5 years if you have both a Pap test and an HPV test.

Some people may need to get screened more often. For example, your doctor may recommend that you get screened more often if you’ve had abnormal test results in the past.

If you are age 66 or older, ask your doctor if you need to continue regular cervical cancer screening.

The Basics: Cervical Screening Tests

What happens during a Pap test?

A Pap test takes about 2 to 5 minutes. It may feel uncomfortable, but it usually doesn’t hurt.

While you lie on the exam table, the doctor or nurse will put a medical tool (called a speculum) into your vagina and open it to see your cervix. The doctor or nurse will use a special brush to collect some cells from your cervix. These cells will be sent to a lab, where an expert will check them under a microscope.

What happens if I’m also having an HPV test?

If you are having a Pap test and an HPV test, the doctor or nurse won’t need to do an additional exam. They’ll send the same cells to a lab, where an expert will check them for types of HPV that can cause cancer.

Take Action: Lower Your Risk

Get the HPV vaccine.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for women age 26 and younger and for men age 21 and younger. Most people get it as a pre-teen – but if you didn’t get it and you are 26 or younger, talk with your doctor about getting it now.

The vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause almost all cases of cervical cancer. It may also protect against types that can cause other kinds of cancer. Learn more about the HPV vaccine.

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Thursday, May 24, 2018